Meet Melanie Tongoc | Orange County Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Tongoc and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From inception, the idea of starting a business was really my husband’s idea. I always had a passion for photography, but it was his idea that I should put a monetary value to my work so I could get fairly compensated for my art. He was the one who sourced my first paying client for me, and he continues to promote my work to people, even after all these years. He’s been the number 1 supporter of my business!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is all about helping the super busy (often working) mom achieve it all. It all stems from trying to solve my own work-life balance once I gave birth to my own son. When you’re working all the time and trying to be a supermom, the best gift you can give yourself is to delegate, delegate, delegate.

Want beautiful and meaningful photos of your family? Get a professional to do it. Someone who not only speaks to your style, but who can capture the essence and soul of who you are as a family.

I’ve tried the whole tripod/have a family member click the shutter for you methods, and nothing beats having a real professional photographer behind the lens with a vision in mind. The photos always look 100% better and carefree.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh there are so many beautiful outdoor locations in Orange County and SoCal out there! I discover them regular while looking for locations to photograph, and I often find my clients telling me “oh my gosh, I didn’t even know this beautiful spot was right here under our noses, and I’ve lived here all my life!”

I put great care and much pride in the carefully curated list of locations I currently have for my clients, and I continue to add to that list throughout the years.

If a friend was visiting, I would likely take them on a hike out to Crystal Cove, stop by the shops nearby Fashion Island to grab some tasty food, and then back to the beach for a beautiful and classic SoCal sunset. They’re absolutely gorgeous!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been working at photography for 5 years now, but I only recently started properly working on my business for the past year. This is all thanks to Kyle Goldie and his mentorship. I came to him looking for a website template, and I got so much more than that. Thanks to him and fellow mentees, I have gained more confidence in my work and the worth of my photography.

Website: https://melliemadephotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melliemadephotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melliemadephotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/melliemade-photography-irvine

Image Credits
Melliemade Photography